16 shops closed every day in 2013

PwC said town centres were likely to continue to see net store closures as the switch online gathers pacePhoto: Heathcliff O'Malley

By agencies

6:00AM GMT 21 Mar 2014

The surge in convenience store openings on Britain's high streets helped offset dwindling numbers of fashion shops and travel agents last year as the rate of retail closures eased sharply, according to new figures.

Data from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the Local Data Company showed that retail chains with more than five outlets closed at a pace of 16 stores a day in town centres last year, down from 20 a day in 2012.

PwC hailed a "return in retail confidence" as the net reduction in stores - those opening minus those closing - narrowed by almost 80pc to 371 in 2013, down from 1,779 in 2012.

It said the marked shift among major supermarkets into convenience store retailing was the biggest positive trend last year, as grocers snapped up shops left vacant by the demise of big names such as Jessops, HMV and Blockbuster.

Convenience stores increased by 10pc on a net basis last year, adding to growing numbers of charity shops, cafes, bookmakers, cheque-cashing outlets and sports good shops.

Mr Jervis warned that town centres were likely to continue to see net store closures as the switch online gathers pace.

He said: "Consumers are only at the start of the digital journey.

"Even though we may be on an upturn, we expect the pattern of net store closures to continue well into the future."

Retailers were also dealt a blow in Wednesday's Budget, with Chancellor George Osborne ignoring calls for widespread reform of business rates, which are seen as threatening the survival of many smaller shops.

The PwC report shows all regions across Great Britain saw a net reduction in multiple retail stores last year, except the east and south-west of England, where numbers increased by eight and 15 respectively.

The West and East Midlands were the hardest hit, with 75 and 70 net closures respectively.